Beursgebouw, Historical exchange building and weigh house in Leeuwarden, Netherlands.
The Beursgebouw is an exchange and weigh house building in Leeuwarden featuring red brickwork, a mansard roof with slate covering, and symmetrically arranged windows with decorative stone surrounds on the ground floor. The structure contains multiple floors and now serves as the city's public library.
The building was completed in 1880 by architect Th. Romein in the Neo-Renaissance style that was contemporary at the time. It functioned as a central trading location and weighing station for merchants and their goods.
The building displays the inscription 'SPQL 1880' above its entrance and features three bronze doors that mark its status as a protected monument in Dutch heritage. These details remind visitors of the importance this place held for local commerce and the city's architectural legacy.
The building is located at Wirdumerdijk 34 and is now accessible as a public library with multiple floors for visitors. The central location makes it easy to reach on foot from different parts of the city.
The structure combines weighing and exchange functions under one roof and features hardstone porches along with elaborate garland decorations in the basement section. This combination of two key trading functions was a practical solution for merchants of that era.
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